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Odds For Each Team To Make NCAAF Playoffs

Though the potential field of College Football Playoff contenders is dwindling, there is still far from what we would call clarity about who exactly the final four teams will be. With rivalry week coming up and the conference championship games to follow, we’ll officially know in less than two weeks who will be competing to be the national champions.

Below are the odds for each of the remaining contenders to make the playoffs, with a quick outline of what would need to happen for it to come to fruition.

Alabama Crimson Tide

If there is one team that has likely cemented its place in the playoffs, it’s Alabama. Nick Saban and company are one of only two undefeated FBS schools remaining and have already clinched a berth in the SEC championship game. A loss in the Iron Bowl would hurt the Tide’s pride, but probably wouldn’t affect their chances if they beat Florida in the conference finals.

If somehow Alabama losses both games, then we may see some new contenders push out ’Bama.

Will Alabama Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Clemson Tigers

Clemson has already booked its ticket to the ACC championship game against either UNC or Virginia Tech. Deshaun Watson and company close out their regular season against a mediocre South Carolina team they should beat. If Clemson does lose against the Gamecocks, its chances are damaged drastically, as several teams will close the season with two losses, but most of them will be against better competition.

UNC likely offers Clemson the biggest challenge if the Tar Heels make it to the ACC title game. However, a loss to a ranked UNC squad with a potential first-round quarterback in the upcoming draft will likely be an easy loss to swallow.

Will Clemson Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado is going to need to win out and likely get some help to make the playoffs. The Buffaloes face a stiff challenge in their regular season finale against a ranked Utah squad. If Colorado loses that game and USC wins its game against a mediocre Notre Dame team, then the Trojans win the Pac-12 South and the Buffaloes have no hope.

If Colorado gets past Utah, it will face either Washington or Washington State. The Buffaloes have already beaten the Cougars this season, but a potential revenge game with the conference title on the line would be far from a given. And slowing down Huskies QB Jake Browning isn’t likely to happen.

However, if Colorado wins the season finale and the Pac-12, the Buffaloes will likely need to at least have Oklahoma and Wisconsin falter to have a legit chance.

Will Colorado Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Michigan Wolverines

Win The Game and they’re in. No matter what happens in the Big Ten championship game, a win in a massive rivalry game against the No. 2-ranked team will clinch Michigan a berth in the semis.

If the Wolverines lose to the Buckeyes, things could get interesting. Michigan would be among the multitude of teams with two losses, but would have recorded both L’s in the final three weeks of the season. Losing to Ohio State isn’t bad, but Michigan’s loss to an unranked Iowa team that was coming off a two-game losing skid may be hard for the committee to forgive.

Will Michigan Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Ohio State Buckeyes

Same as Michigan, win The Game and they’re in. Ohio State or Michigan will almost certainly win the Big Ten title game, but even if they don’t, the winner of The Game is likely in.

Even if Ohio State loses to Michigan, the Buckeyes will have a good resume. Wins against ranked Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Nebraska may be enough to get them in. But if you add the fact that their losses would then come against ranked opponents Penn State and Michigan, then the resume is damn impressive.

Will Ohio State Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma doesn’t have the luxury of a conference championship game in the traditional sense, but its regular season finale against in-state rival Oklahoma State is necessary for a playoff berth. With a win against the Cowboys, the Sooners will have won a major conference with a perfect record in conference play.

A loss in that game and OU is out. No questions asked.

Even with a win, Oklahoma is likely pulling for Ohio State against Michigan, as the Buckeyes have an early season victory over the Sooners. If Ohio State loses, then they will be part of the conversation for the final spot and Oklahoma would have no chance of being picked over the Buckeyes given the Sooners’ loss to Ohio State earlier this season.

Will Oklahoma Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Much like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State needs to win the Big 12. A loss eliminates the Cowboys from making the playoffs.

If the Cowboys top the Sooners, they would be the only team able to beat a powerhouse program who sailed through conference play. Oklahoma State’s losses may be a major hurdle, though, as losing to Central Michigan and a Baylor team that has fallen apart (don’t tell me that recent play wouldn’t affect voters) may be too much.

Will Oklahoma State Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State needs to win against Michigan State in the season finale and needs some help. The Lions have a win over Ohio State, which is a big feather in their cap, but Michigan also destroyed them. They will likely want Michigan to win The Game, as they would have a head-to-head victory over Ohio State.

That being said, Penn State getting in over Michigan or Ohio State (or even Wisconsin) seems unlikely.

Will Penn State Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Washington Huskies

Washington needs to win the Apple Cup and the Pac-12. Though the Huskies have traditionally beaten Washington State, the Cougars are a far superior team this season than they have been in the past. If they do win, they will probably prefer to face Colorado in the Pac-12 finals.

The Buffaloes have been ranked for the bulk of the season and a win over them would help bolster Washington’s resume. Washington has already lost to USC so if they do face off in the Pac-12 title game, a huge win would prove that the previous loss was an anomaly.

Will Washington Make The 4-Team Playoffs?

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin controls its own fate, as a win against Minnesota in their season finale sends the Badgers to the Big Ten title game. If Wisconsin can win that, they will have avenged one of their two losses, no matter if it is Ohio State or Michigan.

A loss to the Golden Gophers and the Badgers could still make the conference championship game, but will likely not get in no matter what thanks to three losses. If Wiscy can win their next two games, they will prove they belong and will almost certainly be in.

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